The Crab Stitch, or the Reverse Single Crochet Stitch, is a wonderful and simple way to finish up the edges on a piece. It gives your work a more careful and though out appearance.

The Crab Stitch is worked in the opposite direction that we usually work. If you are right handed the Crab Stitch will be worked from left to right, and if you are left handed the Crab Stitch will be worked from right to left.

I know that for some working in the opposite direction can be confusing so I want to share two ways you can achieve similar looks working in the usual direction. =)

First let's make the Crab Stitch and at the end will compare the three different methods!

Crab Stitch or Reverse Single Crochet

1. Join with single crochet.

2. Insert the hook into the previous stitch.

3. Yarn over and pull up a loop.

4. Yarn over.

5. Pull the yarn through the two loops on the hook.

6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 all around.

Twisted Single Crochet

1. Insert the hook into the first stitch and chain one.

2. Insert the hook into the next stitch and yarn over.

3. Pull up a loop making it the same height as the previous stitch.

4. Turn the hook to the front of the work.

5. Keep turning the hook to the opposite side.

6. Turn the hook until it's in the initial position.

7. Yarn over.

8. Pull yarn through the two loops on the hook.

9. Repeat steps 2 through 8 all around.

Single Crochet Cross Over

1. Insert hook into the next stitch yarn over and pull up a loop.

2. Bring the working yarn to the front of the piece and cross it in front of the two loops on the hook.

3. Wrap the working yarn around the two loops and to the back.

4. Yarn over.

5. Pull yarn through the two loops on the hook.

6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 all around.

Comparing the three methods

1. The Crab or Reversed Single Crochet Stitch: the stitches have a twisted and rounded look and lean to the right.

2. The Twisted Single Crochet Stitch: identical to the Crab Stitch but with the stitches leaning to the left.

3. The Single Crochet Cross Over: is the one that differs more from the Crab Stitch. The stitches don't lean to either side but still have a rounded look.